CVE-2021-24686 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-24686, a vulnerability found in the SVG Support WordPress plugin version before 2.3.20 that could lead to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24686

CVE-2021-24686 is a security flaw in the SVG Support WordPress plugin that could allow high privilege users to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24686?

The vulnerability exists in versions of the SVG Support WordPress plugin prior to 2.3.20. It occurs due to improper handling of the "CSS Class to target" setting, enabling attackers to perform XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24686

With this vulnerability, even users without the unfiltered_html capability can execute malicious scripts, posing a risk of sensitive data exposure and website compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24686

This section covers the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24686, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The SVG Support WordPress plugin version before 2.3.20 fails to properly escape the "CSS Class to target" setting, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of the SVG Support WordPress plugin prior to 2.3.20, exposing websites to potential XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privilege levels can leverage the insecure handling of CSS attributes to inject and execute arbitrary scripts, compromising website security.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, you will find essential steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-24686 and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the SVG Support WordPress plugin to version 2.3.20 or later to address the vulnerability and enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and output encoding practices to prevent XSS attacks and regularly monitor for plugin updates and security patches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the SVG Support WordPress plugin and promptly apply patches and updates to safeguard your website from potential exploits.